We all had fun, gave and received beautiful gifts, ate lots of fine food and enjoyed the company of family and friends. Trouble was I also had this feeling that I just wished it was over and as per usual was in a great rush to take down the decorations on Boxing Day. Glad to see it come but almost happier to see it pass.
On reflection I think I felt that by spending less I was actually downsizing Christmas, paring away the excess and leaving something more meaningful behind. This wasn't so. I've discovered that the January bank balance is not a reliable indicator of the kind of Christmas you have had - although I am of course quite pleased that my bank balance will be healthier this January than in previous years!
It was probably well into November when I started giving Christmas much real thought this year. I knew I wanted to do things differently but by that time it seemed almost too late to start deviating far from the norm. I'm going to be more prepared this coming year.
I've added Unplug the Christmas Machine: A Complete Guide to Putting Love and Joy Back into the Season by Jo Robinson to my Amazon Wish List (thanks to Mom Unplugged for bringing this book to my attention). I'm going to think about the spiritual aspect and what it means to me - and what it means to us as a multi faith household. I've started a list of ideas for home made gifts. I'm going to think about the stereotypical roles in the preparations for Christmas too - watch out Craig if you're reading this!
Despite downsizing the children still had lots of gifts. Hermione got a new bike, a pogo stick and some wheel heeled shoes. She was delighted with all of her gifts however that didn't change the fact that she spent much of yesterday running up and down the garden pulling a plastic bag tied to a piece of ribbon - a home made kite. Her joy and excitement with this was at least equal to that with anything which we had bought her.
Miles also received some wonderful presents and he played with all of them - but probably only for so long as he sat stuffing sweetcorn and turkey into half of a pulled cracker at the dinner table!
Lots to think about before next Christmas. Lots to think about generally. If possible I would like to keep all the qualities associated with the spirit of Christmas - joy, peace and warmth, and spread them throughout the year. Why should just one time be thought of as that of goodwill?
5 comments:
Lovley post :0) Ikwym about Christmas, I want to make Christmas more personal to us next year. Love the photo of the stockings :0)
Lovely read. :-)
I am just back from my Christmas vacation and I must say that by IGNORING Christmas (going away for it), really made it quite nice!
However, escaping is unfortunately not a long term solution, but I did do a lot of thinking about Christmas while away in Mexico avoiding it all, and hopefully it will be helpful for next year. I'll post a few thoughts, and please share any that you might have too! We Christmas-seekers need to help each other out.
One of the thoughts that I did have while away, is that you unfortunately can't just change it all in one year. I believe that it is a process by which, each year, you learn something new.
I think you made a step forward this year (as did I), but it might take a few more years to get it just right.
I hope "Unplug The Christmas Machine" will help you too. It certainly gave me some ideas to think about!
Happy New Year!
What a lovely post :)
I think it a very valid point about it taking time to effect change. It has taken years for it to evolve into what it is now and perhaps it is unrealistic to aim to totally transform things in the space of a year or so.
Pleased to hear Mexico was good. Escaping does sound like an attractive on an occassional basis :-)
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